The Star Of The Sea – Sea Cadet Corps held their 54th Annual Military Review and Promotion Exercise at St. Frances de Chantal school on Saturday, June 21. The event featured performances from the Vanguard Trick Drill Team under the command of 2nd Lt. Jose Zavala, and the Phantom Regiment Infantry Drill Team under the command of Col. Joseph Ronda. Also featured in the event were two drill competitions for the junior and senior cadets. The members worked hard throughout the year and were presented with various awards.
Cdr. William Heaney was awarded the Holy Name Society Medal, Outstanding Service Medal and Corps Commandant’s Medal. 2nd Lt. Jose Zavala and CWO Samantha Byrnes were the recipients of the Commander’s Medal. CPO Steven Leo received the Monsignor Halpin Medal. Capt. Michael O’Connell was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for serving over 35 years in the organization. CPO Jamie Hathaway, SSgt Joseph Ulloa & PO2 Christopher Lucio were awarded Outstanding Service Medals. Cadet of the Year honors went to PO2 Christopher Lucio and fifteen members received certificates for completing Basic First Aid and CPR courses.
Among those promoted were Sebastian Vazquez and Kassandra Maldonado to Corporal, Joseph Ulloa to Staff Sergeant, Matthew Areizaga to Senior Chief Midshipman and William Heaney to Commander. Retired Commander William J. Twomey was the Reviewing Officer and Retired Brigadier General Alfred Ronda served as the Master of Ceremonies for the event.
